Education Extra
Congratulations to Caleb Cartee from Homewood High School, the recipient of the Annual Birmingham Christian Family (BCF) Scholarship! Cartee receives a $2,000 scholarship to the college or university of his choice. Read his inspiring words on how his Christian faith impacted his decision to go to college.
“My grandfather has a saying: when things are sideways, they’re “as messed up as a soup sandwich.” That’s kind of how choosing a college felt at first. There were so many options, and each one had something different to offer. But at the end of the day, my faith was what guided my decision. Mississippi College, soon to be Mississippi Christian University, stood out to me because it wasn’t just about academics. It was about growing in my faith while preparing for my future. The fact that I’ll be in the first class of their 200-year anniversary is just a cool bonus.
Faith has shaped every part of my life. It’s helped me navigate challenges, given me purpose, and taught me to put others before myself. That’s why I chose physical therapy as my career path. It’s not just about helping people heal physically, it’s about walking with them through recovery, encouraging them, and making sure they know they’re not alone. Mississippi Christian University will prepare me not only academically but also spiritually for this kind of work.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned through my faith is that life isn’t just about me. It’s about serving others and making a difference by faithfulness. That’s something I want to carry into my career. Physical therapy isn’t just about strengthening muscles, it’s about restoring confidence, mobility, and hope. I want to be the kind of therapist who sees my patients as people first, not just injuries to fix.
College won’t be all deep life lessons and chapel services. There will be tough situations, long nights of studying, and moments when I question why I signed up for an 8 a.m. class. But knowing I’ll be in a Christ-centered environment reassures me that I’ll have the right foundation to get through those realities of life.
At the end of the day, my decision to attend Mississippi Christian University is about more than just getting a degree. It’s about growing in my faith, being part of a community that shares my values, and preparing myself for a future where I can serve others. I want my college years to be about more than academics. I want them to be about becoming the person God has called me to be so I can serve those He has called me to serve.”
Here are some additional inspiring words from the 2025 Finalists on how their Christian faith impacted their decision to go to college. Runner-Ups Laney Thompson and Ellyson Turner each receive a $500 scholarship to the college of their choice.
Runner-Up Laney Thompson, from Springville High School, says, “As a devoted Christian, I realized that He was calling me to surrender my academic life to Him. As I pursued Him with more passion and vigor than ever before, I released the future I had imagined for myself and surrendered my college journey to Him. As He pruned my heart, my education became about glorifying Him rather than myself. In surrender, I asked the Lord to show me where to further my academic career, according to His will, and He opened door after door to Baylor University.
When Dean Henry spoke the words, “To whom much is given, much is required,” I felt confirmation that Baylor University is where I am meant to be. There, I will be encouraged by professors and fellow students to work hard for His glory rather than my own. I will be prepared for a future of living for Christ and spreading the Gospel in the medical field.”
Runner-Up Ellyson Turner, from Evangel Christian School, shares, “In every decision I make, I hope to place God at the center. My faith has played a significant role in my decision to attend university, especially in choosing to pursue a career in film and art. My desire to create beautiful and intelligent films stems from observing the world God has designed around me. From stunning sunsets to even the tiny details of every insect, I have always felt connected to every unit of His creation. Every aspect of life reflects His craftsmanship, and that inspires me to create stories that capture His beauty, truth, and vastness. Beyond my passion for film itself, my faith has also made me aware of the ever-growing need for more Christian voices in the film and art world. In an industry driven by trends and profit, the need for loving, kind, creative, faith-lead artists to remind the world where beauty comes from is necessary. God, the ultimate Creator, is the origin of all the beauty we see today.”
Top Five Finalist Paisleanne Maddox, from Essential Church School, says, “Sourcing my identity in Him and leaning on His promises help when I have tough days. I would not be where I am today without Him. As I look back on my health journey, I can see how my faith has flourished. I know God wove health problems into my story for a reason. He is crafting something beautiful that only He can do. Each day, I can see more clearly how God is using this for my calling.”
Top Five Finalist Emily Prickett, from Hewitt-Trussville High School, shares, “My Christian faith has been the foundation of my life, shaping my values, aspirations, and the way I view my future. As I prepare for college, my faith has played a key role in my decision to attend Auburn University. Through the strong Christian community at Auburn, influential mentors I’ve met along the way, and experiences that have broadened my understanding of sharing the Gospel, I feel confident that Auburn is where I am meant to grow both academically and spiritually.”
Visit www.birminghamchristian.com/scholarship to read each finalist’s full essay. Thank you to the nearly 200 applicants who applied for the scholarship. Special thanks to our Scholarship Sponsors: Alabama Credit Union, American Village, and Vulcan Termite and Pest Control. The 2025 Scholarship winner Caleb Cartee will receive special recognition at the Baron’s Faith and Family Night on May 2, 2025 at Regions Field.
